Britons reluctant to embrace electric cars

Matt Allan

One third of drivers believe they will still be driving ‘traditional’ cars by 2040 – despite the proposed ban on new petrol and diesel models from that date.

While 68 per cent of motorists say the can see themselves using an all-electric car in future, 32 per cent remain sceptical and believe an EV won’t be able to handle their motoring demands.

Despite the Government pledging £400 million to establish a network of charging points around the UK and the news that Shell is to add charging points at some of its filling stations, some drivers still worry about the range of EVs.

And there is still confusion over what the Government’s 2040 proposals mean for motorists. One in five of those surveyed had no idea what the 2040 deadline actually means, while almost one third of people (29 per cent) believe it means all petrol and diesel cars over a certain age are to be scrapped on that date. Sixteen per cent of drivers questioned said they thought the it would be impossible to maintain current levels of car use after the 2040 ban.

Despite the scepticism of some it seems that EVs are already capable of meeting the needs of many drivers. The poll of 2,000 people found that the average motorist covered 91 miles per week, including commuting, visiting friends and family, going to the shops and the school run. Around 30 per cent regularly covered more than 120 miles a week.

Recent EV models such as the Renault Zoe and the new Nissan Leaf have ranges of close to or in excess of 200 miles.

The survey also found that most drivers (55 per cent) backed the move to greener vehicles but a fifth believed that cars get too much blame for environmental damage.

Andrew Hooks, chief operating officer of carwow, which commissioned the survey, said: “Motorists know that change is coming and are starting to plan towards a different driving future where alternatively fuelled vehicles become an increasingly significant reality.

“However, the speed of change is the sticking point. The reliance on the car for so many different types of essential and routine journeys is such that, until the public has confidence that electric vehicles can step seamlessly in, motorists will be reluctant to part with their cars.

“Issues such as charging points, variety of models and price are all factors that will see drivers stick with what they know – despite what legislation might dictate.”